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Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980s, when doctors noticed that their patients were suffering from mental health issues and wondered if spending time in nature could help. It's now a vital part of preventative healthcare in Japan.
BEAUTY OF NATURE
With some of the most beautiful forests in the country, the Yosemite Area is one of the best places to forest bathe.
REDUCES PAIN
d relaxation that I seldomly experience. I knew I had to have one of these tables at home. It’s been nine months now, and the spasms never returned. I personally use the table at least twice a week, and insist that all of my friends come and have their own strange, and completely awesome and singular experiences on it as well. I love it!
Thank you so much for creating this and sharing it with me. "
MENTAL HEALTH
Cinical psychologist Susan Albers, PsyD, says, “The sights, sounds and smells of the forest take us right into that moment, so our brains stop anticipating, recalling, ruminating and worrying.”
INVESTMENT
Sessions can be private or with a group. The price for groups under 8 is per hour. After 8 people, there is a per person charge.
FOREST BATHING
CONNECT WITH NATURE
Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves spending time in a forest to connect with nature through your senses. It's a therapeutic way to relax and de-stress, and it can have many health benefits, including:
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Improved mood and sleep quality
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Reduced stress levels
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Lowered blood pressure and heart rate
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Lowered levels of harmful hormones
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Increased well-being and happiness
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Book a private session with one of our skilled teachers and immerse yourself in a healing experience in the forest. We will take a short walk and set ourselves up in nature where the trees will help ground and soothe your mind and body and spirit. No experience needed. Sessions start at 45 minutes and can be as long as an hour.Come alone or bring your friends and family.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT​
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Forest Bathing is essentially meditating in the forest.
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You will have quiet time outside in a forest.
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You will be outside to so dress accordingly. Warm comfortable clothes and bring layers. Dress according to the temperature and use sunscreen.
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You teacher will walk you out and set up a space for you to "bathe." She/he will then guide you on how to forest bathe. Your teacher will be with you the entire time but it will be quiet most of the time. The point of this is to spend quiet time- no music, no talking, no cell phones, in nature.
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When you book your session, you will be given the location to meet and then your teacher will walk with you where you will meditate. The walk to the location will be beginner level (this is not a hike) and no more than a 10 minute walk each way. Please note, forest bathing does not take place in National or State Parks.
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Forest Bathing is not a literal bath. The term refers simply to immersing yourself in the atmosphere of the forest.
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RESEARCH SUPPORTS FOREST BATHING
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One 2007 study showed that forest therapy reduces cortisol, a stress hormone. Research conducted in 2010 found that people who walked in the forest twice a day for two hours (so, four hours of walking a day) had greater levels of cancer-killing proteins and immune cells.
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In 2011, another study found that forest therapy was beneficial. It reported that shinrin-yoku had a positive impact on blood pressure and adiponectin, a protein that helps regulate blood sugar levels.
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Research has proven that forest therapy can have a positive impact on the oxygen levels in your brain. That’s because you’re surrounded by trees and vegetation that engage in photosynthesis. The result: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air
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Science shows, the forest has higher oxygen levels compared to urban or indoor environments. As you breathe in the fresh air within a forest, you’re inhaling oxygen-rich air, which can support proper oxygenation of your blood and subsequently benefit your brain function.
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Science proves: Forests are full of phytoncides, which are antimicrobial compounds released by trees and plants.
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Research supports Forest Bathing as aromatherapy: inhaling these compounds during forest therapy sessions may benefit the immune system and contribute to stress reduction. The pleasant aromas of nature can have a positive impact on mood and emotional well-being.